The Dallas Mavericks are less than a week removed from their 2024 NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. Regardless, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has already made it clear what his top priority will be for the incoming offseason. According to Harrison, priority “1A and 1B” this summer is to re-sign wing Derrick Jones Jr.
Nico Harrison says re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. is priority “1A and 1B” for Mavs this off-season. “We’ll do everything we can to get that done.”
Jones signed a one-year contract with the Mavericks last summer. In his first season in Dallas, the 27-year-old enjoyed a career year. Jones started 66 games and appeared in 76, both career-highs. In those games, he averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Additionally, he shot 48.3% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc.
The Pennsylvania native also played a big role in the Mavericks’ Finals run. Jones started all 22 games for the Mavericks in the playoffs. During the run, he averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Dallas Mavericks GM Reveals Top Priority This Offseason
Derrick Jones Jr. Wants to Remain With the Mavericks
In May, Jones’ agent, Aaron Turner, spoke about the forward’s impending free agency this summer. According to Turner, Jones “wants to be back” with the Mavericks organization past this offseason.
“He loves his teammates, he loves Jason Kidd, he really likes the front office, (Mavericks president) Nico (Harrison) and Matt Riccardi,” Turner said. “He wants to be back.”
However, Turner also noted that the expectation is that Jones will test the free agency market.
Turner expects Jones to test the market, just like anyone in his situation would. They hope Dallas can meet them at a price that makes sense for both sides. “We understand the business (and that) there’s other teams that can maybe pay him more,” Kidd said. “But we definitely want him back.
Regardless of what happens in free agency, it appears there is mutual interest in a Jones-Mavericks reunion this summer.
The Last Word on Derrick Jones Jr.
Coming off a career year, it makes sense for Jones to test the market. However, it also makes sense for him to remain with the team. The Mavericks are fresh off an appearance in the NBA Finals, and much of that has to do with Jones’ contributions. In the past, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke highly about Jones’ game and what he can bring to the team.
“What I saw was his ability to guard,” Kidd said. “It was way before we signed him. I saw him up close in different (games) and always thought, ‘Man, it’d be nice if we could get him on our side.’”
Additionally, Jones himself has talked about the work he has put in to improve as a basketball player.
“I’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes. Thus far in my career, I haven’t got the recognition that I think I deserve, and I feel like this year is going to be the year. “I’m going to shoot the ball whenever I get open shots, drive whenever I get the open lane, and play simple basketball.
